EXHIBIT 23.1


                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8 No. 333-58001) pertaining to the Individual Account Retirement Plan For
Cooper Cameron Corporation Hourly Employees, IAM, at the Superior Plant of our
report dated June 22, 2000 with respect to the financial statements of the
Individual Account Retirement Plan For Cooper Cameron Corporation Hourly
Employees, IAM, at the Superior Plant included in this Annual Report (Form 11-K)
for the year ended December 31, 1999.



                                     /S/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP


June 22, 2000
Houston, Texas